Crypto news

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is on the verge of a massive transformation. According to my data, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols could reach $2.7 trillion by the end of 2030. This implies nearly a 37-fold increase from current levels, indicating the sector's enormous potential.

Key drivers of this surge will be real-world assets (RWA) and the development of on-chain protocols. Currently, only about 3% of stablecoin supply and 10% of RWA are utilized in DeFi. However, by 2030, the share of such assets used in protocols could grow to 30%. This means that tokenization of traditional instruments—from bonds to real estate—will become the foundation for a new wave of liquidity.

Reaching the $2.7 trillion mark will require a ninefold increase in the share of tokenized value in DeFi. However, the path to this will not be straightforward. Several experts have already pointed out key risks. For example, issuing the same asset on different blockchains creates fragmented liquidity and increases operational costs. Moreover, tokenization itself is not a "magic wand"—it does not automatically make illiquid assets liquid.

In this context, Uniswap deserves special attention. The platform is seen as a potential hub for RWA trading. Institutional players are likely to choose it due to its high reputation and reliability. Partnerships with traditional finance could help Uniswap narrow the market capitalization gap with Coinbase exchange, which would be an important signal for the entire market.

I previously noted that advisors have shifted their focus from Bitcoin to stablecoins and RWA. This confirms my view: the future of DeFi lies in the tokenization of real-world assets and their integration into on-chain ecosystems.

My conclusion: Standard Chartered's forecast looks ambitious but realistic, provided that issues with liquidity and fragmentation are addressed. DeFi is not just expecting growth, but a structural overhaul that will change the rules of the game for the entire crypto market.